20091114051349I

Departed kmci gate 0050Z. Utilized runway 1R. Weather was approximately 2500 overcast with good visibility. First officer matthew cartwright was pilot flying. Just as aircraft was climbing out of a cloud layer at approximately 4000 ft. a large flock of birds appeared. The captain called "birds" but there was no time to try any evasive maneuver. The flock passed under the cockpti and the flight crew initially thought that they had missed them. They immediately felt several impacts, approximately 5 to 7. Both engines rolled back and the #2 engine began compressor stalling. They immediately stopped climb and started to retard the #2 throttle. As they pitched over to stop their climb, the autothrottle reduced power to both engines and the compressor stalling ceased. They contacted Kansas City departure control and declared an emergency, stating mulitple bird strikes and possible damage to both engines, and requested immediate return to kmci, which was provided. ATC requested souls on board an asked what else they needed. Flight crew requested that emergency equimpment be standing by for their arrival. They considered shutting down the #2 engine, but decided not to because it seemed to operate fine at lower power settings, and also because they thought the #1 engine was damaged due to the initial rollback. As soon as the airplane was turned back to the airport, and their situation seemed to be in control, they contaced the flight attendants to explain that they had encountered multiple bird strikes and would be returning to kmci. They told the flight attendants that they had approximately 5 minutes to prepare the cabin for landing but there was no need to brief the passengers for brace as they were expecting a normal landing. After briefing the flight attendants, they used the pa to brief the passengers on the situation. They were vectored for ILS 1L, descended just below clouds at approximatelyly 3000 ft and landed visually. The aircraft weighed 140,000# upon landing - approximately 140 KTS. The captain felt that since the first officer was handling the situation well, he should continue flying, which would allow him to monitor the aircraft for any further malfunctions. The landing was very smooth and the aircraft exited at the first high speed runway exit. After turnoff, they shut down the #2 engine because of the known damage and taxied the aircraft to the gate. They left the flaps down because of suspected airframe damage. The brakes did not overheat, even after the high speed landing. The fire department followed the aircraft to the gate. No ecams occurred during the flight. The logbook was filled out detailing the air return, bird strike, and the overweight landing.